Ma(r)king memories: exploring embodied processes of remembering and forgetting temporal experiences

Abstract

Based on in-depth interviews with nine tattoo consumers, participant observation at a tattoo studio, a tattoo consumption diary, and photography, we investigate embodied processes of remembering and forgetting temporal experiences. We unpick participants' experiences of combatting the fragility of memory, negotiating which temporal experiences to remember or forget, and constructing temporal order through their tattooed bodies. These insights are enriched theoretically with reference to Ricoeur's ideas concerning time, narrative, and memory. By focusing upon the embodied dimensions of memory work, we contribute fresh insights into the underexplored relations between bodies, time, and consumer culture. Furthermore, we indicate the continuing significance of temporal continuity, durability, and the past in accelerating Western cultures. Finally, we elucidate the importance of also attending to "absences" in consumer research. We conclude by considering the wider implications of our findings for better understanding an accelerating, liquid, and unstable consumer culture, beyond the context of tattooing.

(Re)thinking place atmospheres in marketing theory

“…Memory, however, is continuously reconstructed (Steadman et al, 2019), with the past reappearing ' . .…”

“…Memory, however, is continuously reconstructed (Steadman et al, 2019), with the past reappearing ‘…through a veil’ (Husserl, 1964: 72), and consumers’ storytelling around past matches can contribute to mythic notions of prior footballing experiences (Hague and Mercer, 1998). The club partakes in this myth-making process by transporting memories of the old ground into the Etihad with large historical images placed inside and outside of the new stadium (Figure 1), alongside creating a memorial garden.…”

Proceedings of the 17th International Research Symposium on Service Excellence in Management - QUIS17

“…The main focus of understanding the customer experience has been the journey with its touchpoints ; lower levels like episodes and higher levels like the customer-provider relationships, however, are equally important from a temporal perspective in orchestrating the total customer experience. This mirrors in references to past and future journeys when it comes to memorability and extraordinariness of the experience (Dixon et al, 2017;LaTour and Carbone, 2014;Ryynänen and Heinonen, 2018;Steadman, Banister and Medway, 2019). To account for the fact that customer experiences emerge from the use of services (and products) throughout the customers life, researchers need to consider the halo effects of the chronology from past (retrospection) and future (anticipation) when trying to understand current customer experience.…”

Tattoos and Information: Mapping the Landscape of Tattoo Research

“…Narratives and memory tattoos as literacy artifacts (Kirkland, 2009), as culturally acquired “sign vehicles” (Kosut, 2000), and as “bodily writing” which may need to be both interpreted and translated (Lei, 2009; Sullivan, 2001) tattoos as means to negotiate memory, trauma, mourning and memorializing the dead (Brouwer & Horowitz, 2015; Davidson, 2017; Dyvik & Welland, 2018; Hill, 2020; Steadman et al, 2019) …”

“…• religious and ethnic identification (Meinardus, 1972), pilgrimage tattoos (Diktaş, 2020;Kurrat & Heiser, 2020); trade or artisan tattoos (Caplan, 2010;Newman, 1998), immigrants tattoos (Hiramoto, 2015) • identity formation and communication among prisoners (DeMello, 1993;McCarron, 2008;Phelan & Hunt, 1998;Shoham, 2009;Vegrichtová, 2018) Narratives and memory • tattoos as literacy artifacts (Kirkland, 2009), as culturally acquired 'sign vehicles' (Kosut, 2000), and as 'bodily writing' which may need to be both interpreted and translated (Lei, 2009;Sullivan, 2001) • tattoos as means to negotiate memory, trauma, mourning and memorializing the dead (Brouwer & Horowitz, 2015;Davidson, 2017;Dyvik & Welland, 2018;Hill, 2020;Steadman et al, 2019) Theme 3: Tattoos Information Seeking and Presentation Through Archives and Libraries…”